Kadlekaayi (Groundnut) chutney

One of the favorite chutneys since my childhood. When amma used to make it at home, my starter, main course & dessert would be kadlekaayi chutney. Today we'd it with Rava dosa.

Ingredients: -

1/2 cup ground nuts

3-4 red chillies

1/4 cup grated coconut

2 tsp bengal gram dal (optional)

2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp concentrated tamarind paste

3 tsp oil

a pinch of asafoetida

Salt

Method: -

1. Heat 2 tsp of oil over medium flame in a small pan & add asafoetida when it's hot.

2. Add ground nuts & fry till they turn slightly brown.

3. Then add red chillies & bengal gram dal. Fry for another minute.

4. Remove from fire & let the mixture cool down completely.

5. In a mixie, add the cooled mixture, tamarind paste, grated coconut & salt.

6. Run the mixie first at the lowest possible setting without adding water.

7. Then add water & get the chutney consistency. If desired add more water to make the chutney more watery.

8. For seasoning, add mustard seeds to heated oil. When they splatter, remove from fire & pour over the chutney.